Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. helped some 3000 school children prepare to face their future with brighter smiles as they were reminded of good oral health care through a comprehensive information education campaign drive. This month, Hedcor, in partnership with the Dental Chapters of the Municipality of Sta Cruz, Provincial Local Government of Davao del Sur, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, implemented dental health programs in Hedcor’s 8 adopted public schools – Tudaya Elementary School, Pogpog Elementary School, Tibolo Elementary School, Idong Elementary School, Sibulan Elementary School, Don Amancio Elementary School, Darong Elementary School and Almendras Elementary School. Dental experts Dr. Rosalita M. Juadiong and Dr. Ruby Ann R. Limpot assisted by dental aids Lea Nepomuceno and Mary Rose Gavilan lectured and demonstrated proper tooth brushing, flossing, mouth rinsing. They also made the children aware of the existence of oral cancer and how proper dental care helps in reducing the risk from this dreaded disease. Hedcor vice president for Mindanao operations Rolando Pacquiao said, “We are helping our beneficiary-public-teachers promote good oral hygiene among students, analyze and evaluate dental needs, and maintain dental records of students for future reference”. Pacquiao also said, “To increase our host communities’ level of awareness on the importance of good oral health, we are giving much needed support to the local government and the dental society in order for them to continue with their advocacy on good dental health.” “I feel delighted that the parents were able to attend this campaign because dental care starts at home. Parents should be the first to teach their children how to properly brush their teeth,” Dr. Juadiong expressed her delight during her lecture. At the end of the demonstration, each student was given a hygiene kit containing a face towel, soap, and two pairs of toothpaste and toothbrushes. They will be using one dental care kit in school while the other will be for their home use. Hedcor, a subsidiary of AboitizPower engaged in run-ofiver hydro development and operations. It currently expanding its operations in Bukidnon with the 68.8-MW Manolo Fortich Hydro. To date, Hedcor operates 22 hydropower plants with a total capacity of 185MW. (pr)